Container and system for holding a cutting tool of a food processing device

ABSTRACT

A container and system for holding a cutting tool of a food processing device is disclosed. The container includes a shell defining a chamber sized to receive one of at least a first cutting tool and a second cutting tool. The shell has a slot that receives a stem of the first cutting tool when the first cutting tool is positioned in the chamber and another slot that receives a stem of the second cutting tool when the second cutting tool is positioned in the chamber. The shell also has a plurality of openings that are sized to permit fluid to pass into the chamber.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/382,770, filed on Sep. 4, 2014, entitled“CONTAINER AND SYSTEM FOR HOLDING A CUTTING TOOL OF A FOOD PROCESSINGDEVICE,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a domestic food processingdevice and, more particularly, to a container for carrying or holding acutting tool of a domestic food processing device.

BACKGROUND

A food processing device is a motorized domestic appliance formanipulating (e.g., chopping, slicing, dicing, shredding, grating, orblending) food items. Such an appliance includes a bowl with a removablelid. Food items are inserted into the bowl through a feed tube formed inthe lid where they are cut by motor-driven cutting tool and collected inthe bottom of the bowl. Some food processors also include an outlet onthe bowl that guides the processed food items into an outside bin,container, or other bowl.

Food processors typically come equipped with a number of interchangeablecutting tools for slicing, shredding, or other food processingoperations. Between each use, the cutting tools may be cleaned by handor in a dishwashing machine before being placed in a cabinet forstorage.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the disclosure, a container for holding acutting tool of a food processing device is disclosed. The containerincludes a shell defining a chamber sized to receive one of at least afirst cutting tool and a second cutting tool. The shell has a firstouter surface, a second outer surface positioned opposite the firstouter surface, and a side wall extending between the first outer surfaceand the second outer surface. The shell has a first slot defined in thefirst outer surface, and a second slot defined in the second outersurface that is aligned with the first slot. The first slot receives astem of the first cutting tool when the first cutting tool is positionedin the chamber, and the second slot receives a stem of the secondcutting tool when the second cutting tool is positioned in the chamber.A plurality of openings are defined in the first outer surface. Eachopening is arranged circumferentially around the first slot and is sizedto permit fluid to pass into the chamber.

In some embodiments, the shell may have an access opening defined in aside thereof to permit one of at least the first cutting tool and thesecond cutting tool to be positioned in the chamber. In someembodiments, the shell may include a first inner wall that extendsinwardly from the access opening to define the first slot and a secondinner wall that extends inwardly from the access opening to define thesecond slot.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the container may further include aretaining door pivotally coupled to the shell. The retaining door may bemoveable between a closed position in which the access opening iscovered such that the one of at least the first cutting tool and thesecond cutting tool is retained in the chamber when positioned thereinand an open position in which the access opening is uncovered to permitthe one of at least the first cutting tool and the second cutting toolto be positioned in the chamber. In some embodiments, the retaining doormay have a plurality of slots defined therein that permit fluid to passinto the chamber.

In some embodiments, the shell may include a mounting flange thatextends outwardly from the first outer surface. The retaining door mayinclude a first arm pivotally coupled to the mounting flange, a secondarm spaced apart from the first arm such that the shell is positionedbetween the first arm and the second arm, and a connecting wallextending between the first arm and the second arm. The connecting wallmay be positioned over the access opening when the retaining door is inthe closed position.

In some embodiments, the container may further include a lockingmechanism to secure the retaining door in the closed position.Additionally, in some embodiments, the locking mechanism may include atab extending outwardly from the first outer surface and a groovedefined in an inner surface of the first arm.

In some embodiments, the retaining door may include a first slot definedin the first arm that receives the stem of the first cutting tool whenthe first cutting tool is positioned in the chamber and the retainingdoor is in the closed position. The door may also include a second slotdefined in the second arm that receives the stem of the second cuttingtool when the second cutting tool is positioned in the chamber and theretaining door is in the closed position.

In some embodiments, each of the first inner wall of the shell and thefirst inner wall of the retaining door may include a first concave innersurface that is defined by a first radius, and each of the second innerwall of the shell and the second inner wall of the retaining door mayinclude a second concave inner surface that is defined by a secondradius. The second radius may have a magnitude that is less than themagnitude of the first radius.

In some embodiments, the radii of the concave inner surfaces definingthe first slot and the second slot of the shell may have origins thatlie along a first longitudinal axis. The radii of the concave innersurfaces defining the first slot and the second slot of the retainingdoor may have origins that lie along the first longitudinal axis whenthe retaining door is in the closed position and a second longitudinalaxis when the retaining door is in the open position. The secondlongitudinal axis may extend parallel to the first longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, the side wall of the shell may have an innersurface that extends inwardly from the access opening and defines awidth of the chamber. The shell may have a substantially planar innersurface that extends inwardly from the access opening. The substantiallyplanar inner surface may extend orthogonal to the inner surface of theside wall and define a length of the chamber that is greater than thewidth of the chamber.

In some embodiments, the shell may include a first piece including thefirst slot and a second piece removably coupled to the first piece. Thesecond piece may include the second slot.

According to another aspect, the container includes a shell defining achamber sized to receive one of at least a first cutting tool and asecond cutting tool and a retaining door pivotally coupled to the shell.The shell has an access opening defined in a side thereof to permit oneof at least the first cutting tool and the second cutting tool to bepositioned in the chamber. The retaining door is moveable between aclosed position in which the access opening is covered such that the oneof at least the first cutting tool and the second cutting tool isretained in the chamber when positioned therein, and an open position inwhich the access opening is uncovered to permit the one of at least thefirst cutting tool and the second cutting tool to be positioned in thechamber. The shell and the retaining door cooperate to define anenclosure that receives a stem of the first cutting tool to locate thefirst cutting tool in the chamber when the first cutting tool ispositioned therein. A plurality of openings are defined in the shell andthe retaining door. Each opening is sized to permit fluid to pass intothe chamber.

In some embodiments, the retaining door may include a first armpivotally coupled to the shell, a second arm spaced apart from the firstarm such that the shell is positioned between the first arm and thesecond arm, and a connecting wall extending between the first arm andthe second arm. The connecting wall may be positioned over the accessopening when the retaining door is in the closed position.

In some embodiments, the shell may include an outer surface having anopening defined therein and an inner wall extending inwardly from theopening to define a slot in the shell. The first arm of the retainingdoor may have an inner surface that faces the outer surface of theshell. The inner surface may have an opening defined therein and aninner wall extending from the opening to define a slot in the first arm.The slots of the shell and the first arm may cooperate to define theenclosure. The inner walls of the shell and the first arm may engage thestem of the first cutting tool when the first cutting tool is positionedin the chamber and the retaining door is in the closed position.

In some embodiments, the enclosure may be a first enclosure, and theshell and the retaining door may cooperate to define a second enclosurepositioned opposite the first enclosure. The second enclosure mayreceive a stem of the second cutting tool to locate the second cuttingtool in the chamber when the second cutting tool is positioned therein.

According to another aspect, a cutting tool system for a food processingdevice is disclosed. The tool system includes a plurality of cuttingtools including a first cutting tool having a cutting edge and a stem,and a second cutting tool having a cutting edge, an upper stem, and alower stem. The system also includes a perforated shell defining achamber sized to receive one of the plurality of cutting tools. Theshell has a first outer surface having a first slot defined therein, asecond outer surface positioned opposite the first outer surface thathas a second slot defined therein, and a side wall extending between thefirst outer surface and the second outer surface. When the first cuttingtool is positioned in the chamber, the stem of the first cutting tool ispositioned in the first slot to locate the cutting edge within thechamber. When the second cutting tool is positioned in the chamber, theupper stem of the second cutting tool is positioned in the first slotand the lower stem of the second cutting tool is positioned in thesecond slot to locate the cutting edge within the chamber.

In some embodiments, the system may include a retaining door pivotallycoupled to the shell. The retaining door may be moveable between aclosed position in which the access opening is covered such that the oneof at least the first cutting tool and the second cutting tool isretained in the chamber when positioned therein and an open position inwhich the access opening is uncovered to permit the one of at least thefirst cutting tool and the second cutting tool to be positioned in thechamber.

In some embodiments, the system may include a third cutting toolincluding a cutting blade and a rotating disk configured to moverelative to the cutting blade to define a gap therebetween. The systemmay also include an adjustment device configured to position therotating disk relative to the cutting blade such that the gap definedbetween the cutting blade and the rotating disk has a maximum thickness.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description particularly refers to the following figures,in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view a cutting tool system includingone embodiment of a cutting tool container and a plurality of cuttingtools of a domestic food processing device;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 showing theopposite side of the container;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 with one of thecutting tools positioned therein;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the container of FIG.1 with one of the cutting tools positioned therein;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the container of FIG.1 with another of the cutting tools positioned therein;

FIG. 6 is a perspective of the container of FIG. 1 and an adjustmentdevice;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the container of FIG.1 including the device of FIG. 6 and another of the cutting toolspositioned in the chamber of the container;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of acontainer; and

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary cross-sectional side elevation view of thecontainer of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to variousmodifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodimentsthereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and willherein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, thatthere is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure tothe particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is tocover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a cutting tool system 10 for a domestic foodprocessing device is shown. One example of a food processor is theKitchenAid® 9-Cup Food Processor, Base Model No. KFP0922, which iscommercially available from Whirlpool Corporation of Benton Harbor,Mich., U.S.A. The cutting tool system 10 includes a plurality of cuttingtools 12 and a cutting tool container 14 configured to selectively carryor hold one of the cutting tools 12. The cutting tools 12 include anadjustable slicing assembly 16 and a pair of cutting blade units 18, 20.It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the cutting tools 12may include other fixed or adjustable cutting attachments, such as, forexample, a shedding disk, grate/shaving disk, julienne disk, and thelike.

The adjustable slicing assembly 16 of the cutting tools 12 includes arotating disk 22 and a blade assembly 24. The rotating disk 22 has acentral hub 26, a planar body 28 extending radially outward from thecentral hub 26, and a rim 30 extending vertically from the outerperimeter of the planar body 28. The blade assembly 24 includes a stem32 that is positioned in an aperture 34 defined in the central hub 26 ofthe rotating disk 22 and a mounting arm 36 that is secured to the stem32. The mounting arm 36 extends radially outward from the stem 32 andhas a cutting blade 38 secured thereto.

As shown in FIG. 1, the cutting blade 38 of the slicing assembly 16 hasa cutting edge 40, and a gap 42 is defined between the cutting edge 40of the blade assembly 24 and the planar body 28 of the rotating disk 22.The size of the gap 42 corresponds to the cutting thickness of theslicing assembly 16. The stem 32 of the blade assembly 24 and thecentral hub 26 of the rotating disk 22 are configured to slide relativeto one another to increase or decrease the size of the gap 42, therebychanging the cutting thickness of slicing assembly 16.

The cutting blade unit 18 of the system 10 includes a stem 46 and a pairof cutting blades 48 that extend outwardly from the stem 46. The stem 46has a body 50 that extends from an end 52 to an end 54. As shown in FIG.1, the blades 48 of the cutting blade unit 18 are secured to the body 50at the end 52. The body 50 has a cylindrical outer surface 56 betweenthe ends 52, 54, and the cylindrical outer surface 56 has an outerdiameter 58.

The other cutting blade unit 20 of the system 10 includes a stem 60, astem 62 secured to the stem 60, and a pair of cutting blades 64 thatextend outwardly from the stem 60. The stem 60 has a body 66 thatextends from an end 68 to an end 70. As shown in FIG. 1, the blades 64of the cutting blade unit 20 are secured to the body 66 at the end 68.The body 66 of the stem 60 has a cylindrical outer surface 72 betweenthe ends 68, 70, and the cylindrical outer surface 72 has an outerdiameter 74. The other stem 62 has a cylindrical body 76 that extendsfrom the end 68 of the stem 60. The body 76 has an outer diameter 78,and, in the illustrative embodiment, the outer diameter 78 of the stem62 is less than the outer diameter 74 of the stem 60.

As described above, the system 10 also includes a cutting tool container14 configured to selectively carry or hold one of the cutting tools 12.The cutting tool container 14 includes a shell 80 that defines a chamber82 sized to receive one of the cutting tools 12. As shown in FIG. 1, anaccess opening 84 is defined in a side 86 of the shell 80. As usedherein, the term “access opening” is intended to mean the opening formedin the side of the shell through which a user may gain access to thechamber to, for example, insert and remove cutting tools from the same.In the illustrative embodiment, the access opening 84 isrectangular-shaped and is sized such that a user may insert or removeone of the cutting tools 12 from the chamber 82. It should beappreciated that in other embodiments the access opening 84 may be, forexample, oblong-shaped or another geometric form sized to receive any ofthe cutting tools 12.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the shell 80 includes a side plate 88, a sideplate 90 that is spaced apart from the side plate 90, and a side wall 92that connects the side plates 88, 90. The side plate 88 has an externalsurface 94 and an internal surface 96 positioned opposite the externalsurface 94. The other side plate 90 has an internal surface 98 thatfaces the internal surface 96 of the side plate 88 and an externalsurface 100 that is positioned opposite the internal surface 98. In theillustrative embodiment, the surfaces 94, 96, 98, 100 of the side plates88, 90 are substantially planar and extend parallel to each other. Inother embodiments, one or more of the surfaces 94, 96, 98, 100 may beconvex or concave.

The side wall 92 of the shell 80 has an internal surface 102 thatextends between the internal surfaces 96, 98 of the side plates 88, 90.As shown in FIG. 1, the internal surfaces 96, 98, 102 extend inwardlyfrom the access opening 84 defined in the side 86 of the shell 80. Inthe illustrative embodiment, the surfaces 96, 98, 102 cooperate todefine the chamber 82 in the shell 80. As shown in FIG. 4, the surfaces96, 98 extend orthogonal to the surface 102. Additionally, as shown inFIG. 4, the internal surface 102 of the side wall 92 defined a width 284of the chamber 82 and the surfaces 96, 98 defined a length 286 of thechamber 82. In the illustrative embodiment, the length 286 is greaterthan the width 284 of the chamber.

Returning to FIG. 1, the shell 80 has a pair of slots 104, 106 definedtherein that are connected to the access opening 84. As described ingreater detail below, each of the slots 104, 106 is sized to receive astem of a cutting tool 12 when the cutting tool 12 is positioned in thechamber 82. As shown in FIG. 1, the slot 104 is defined in the sideplate 88. The external surface 94 of the side plate 88 has an opening108 defined therein that extends from the middle of the shell 80 towardthe side 86 of the shell 80, thereby connecting the opening 108 with theaccess opening 84. An inner wall 110 extends inwardly from the opening108 and through the side plate 88 to define the slot 104 in the shell80.

The inner wall 110 of the side plate 88 includes a planar surface 112and a planar surface 114 that extends parallel to the planar surface112. A width 116 of the slot 104 is defined between the surfaces 112,114. In the illustrative embodiment, the magnitude of the width 116 isgreater than the outer diameter 58 of the stem 46 of the cutting bladeunit 18 such that the stem 46 may be received in the slot 104.Similarly, the magnitude of the width 116 is greater than the outerdiameter 74 of the stem 60 of the cutting blade unit 20 such that thestem 60 may be received in the slot 104.

As shown in FIG. 1, the inner wall 110 of the side plate 88 alsoincludes a concave surface 120 that connects the planar surface 112 tothe planar surface 114. The concave surface 120 is defined by a radius122 such that the slot 104 has a curved end, and the radius 122 has anorigin 124 positioned in the middle of the slot 104. In the illustrativeembodiment, the concave surface 120 is semi-circular such that theradius 122 has a magnitude that is equal to approximately half of themagnitude of the width 116 of the slot 104. It should be appreciatedthat in other embodiments the surface 120 may be substantially planar.

As shown in FIG. 2, the other slot 106 of the shell 80 is defined in theside plate 90. The external surface 100 of the side plate 90 has anopening 130 defined therein that extends from the middle of the shell 80to the side 86 of the shell 80, thereby connecting the opening 130 tothe access opening 84. An inner wall 132 extends inwardly from theopening 130 and through the side plate 90 to define the slot 106 in theshell 80.

The inner wall 132 of the side plate 90 includes a planar surface 134and a planar surface 136 that define the sides of the slot 106. Theinner wall 132 of the side plate 90 also includes a concave surface 138that connects an edge 140 of the planar surface 134 with an edge 142 ofthe planar surface 136. As shown in FIG. 2, a width 144 of the slot 106is defined between the edges 140, 142 of the surfaces 134, 138. In theillustrative embodiment, the magnitude of the width 144 is greater thanthe outer diameter 78 of the stem 62 of the cutting blade unit 20 suchthat the stem 62 of the cutting blade unit 20 may be received in theslot 106.

The concave surface 138 of the inner wall 132 is defined by a radius 146such that the slot 106 has a curved end. As shown in FIG. 2, the radius146 has an origin 148 that is positioned in the middle of the slot 106.In the illustrative embodiment, the concave surface 138 is semi-circularsuch that the radius 146 has a magnitude that is equal to half of themagnitude of the width 144 of the slot 106. It should be appreciatedthat in other embodiments the surface 138 may be substantially planar.As shown in FIG. 2, the origin 148 of the radius 146 of the slot 106 andthe origin 124 of the radius 122 of the slot 104 define an axis 150 thatextends through the centers of the slots 104, 106.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the shell 80 includes a plurality of openings162 that extend through the side plates 88, 90 and the side wall 92. Theopenings 162 include a plurality of oblong openings 164 that extendbetween the external surface 94 and the internal surface 96 of the sideplate 88. Each of the oblong openings 164 defines an arc and extendscircumferentially around the slot 104. Each opening 164 is sized topermit the passage of fluid into the chamber 82 of the shell 80 and hasa width 168 that is less than the width 116 of the slot 104. It shouldbe appreciated that in other embodiments the width of each opening mayvary such that no opening has the same width.

The openings 162 defined in the shell 80 also include a plurality ofoblong openings 170 that extend between the external surface 100 and theinternal surface 98 of the side plate 90. As shown in FIG. 2, each ofthe oblong openings 170 defines an arc and extends circumferentiallyaround the slot 106. Each opening 170 is sized to permit the passage offluid into the chamber 82 of the shell 80 and has a width 174 that isless than the width 144 of the slot 106.

In the illustrative embodiment, the shell 80 is formed as a singlemonolithic component from a molded polymeric material, such as, forexample, nylon. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments theshell 80 may be from a metallic material such as, for example, steel. Itshould also be appreciated that in other embodiments the shell may beformed from multiple pieces that are later assembled.

As shown in FIG. 1, the tool container 14 also includes a retentiondevice 180 configured to prevent the insertion or removal of a cuttingtool 12 from the shell 80. In the illustrative embodiment, the retentiondevice 180 is a retaining door 182 configured to be selectivelypositioned over the access opening 84 to prevent or permit a user fromaccessing the chamber 82 to insert or remove a cutting tool 12. Itshould be appreciated that in other embodiments the retention device 180may take other forms, such as, for example, plugs, pins, latches, tabs,covers, and so forth that prevent the insertion or removal of a cuttingtool 12.

The retaining door 182 of the container 14 includes a pair of arms 184,186 that are pivotally coupled to the shell 80 and a connecting wall 188that extends between the arms 184, 186. As shown in FIG. 1, the arm 184is coupled to the side plate 88 via a pivot joint 190. The pivot joint190 includes a pair of curved flanges 192 that extend outwardly from theexternal surface 94 of the plate 88. The flanges 192 are received in athrough-hole 194 defined in the arm 184. Each flange 192 has a lip 196configured to extend over the rim 198 of the through-hole 194, therebysecuring the arm 184 to the plate 88.

As shown in FIG. 2, the shell 80 is positioned between the arms 184, 186of the retaining door 182. The arm 186 is coupled to the side plate 90via a pivot joint 200. The pivot joint 200, like the pivot joint 190,includes a pair of curved flanges 202 that extend outwardly from theexternal surface 100 of the plate 90. The flanges 202 are received in athrough-hole 204 defined in the arm 186. Each flange 202 has a lip 206configured to extend over the rim 208 of the through-hole 204, therebysecuring the arm 186 to the plate 90. As described in greater detailbelow, retaining door 182 pivots about an axis 210 (see FIG. 3) definedby the pivot joints 190, 200 to move between an open position (see FIGS.1 and 2) in which user-access to the chamber 82 through the accessopening 84 is permitted and a closed position (see FIG. 3) in whichuser-access to the chamber 82 through the access opening 84 isprevented.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the arm 184 has an outer surface 212 and aninner surface 214 positioned opposite the outer surface 212. The innersurface 214 of the arm 184 faces the external surface 94 of the sideplate 88. The other arm 186 has an outer surface 216 and an innersurface 218 positioned opposite the outer surface 216. The inner surface218 of the arm 186 faces the external surface 100 of the side plate 90.In the illustrative embodiment, the surfaces 212, 214, 216, 218 of thearms 184, 186 are substantially planar and extend parallel to eachother. In other embodiments, one or more of the surfaces 212, 214, 216,218 may be convex or concave.

The retaining door 182 of the container 14 has a pair of slots 220, 222defined therein that extend from a side 226 of the retaining door 182and correspond to the slots 104, 106 defined in the shell 80. Like theslots 104, 106, each of the slots 220, 222 is sized to receive a stem ofa cutting tool 12 when the cutting tool 12 is positioned in the chamber82 and the retaining door 182 is in the closed position. As shown inFIG. 1, the slot 220 is defined in the arm 184. The arm 184 has anopening 228 that is defined in the outer surface 212 of the arm 184. Theopening 228 extends from the side 226 of the door 182 toward the middleof the arm 184. An inner wall 230 extends inwardly from the opening 228through the arm 184 to define the slot 220 in the retaining door 182.

The inner wall 230 of the arm 184 includes a concave surface 232 that isdefined by a radius 234. The radius 234 has an origin 236 that ispositioned in the middle of the slot 220. When the retaining door 182 isin the closed position shown in FIG. 3, the origin 236 is located on theaxis 150 extending through the slots 104, 106 of the shell 80. In thatway, the slot 220 is aligned with the slot 104 of the shell 80 when theretaining door 182 is in the closed position. In the illustrativeembodiment, the magnitude of the radius 234 of the arm 184 is equal tothe magnitude of the radius 122 of the side plate 88 such that the slot220 has a width that is approximately equal to the width 116 of the slot104. As such, the width of the slot 220 is greater than the outerdiameter 58 of the stem 46 of the cutting blade unit 18 such that thestem 46 of the cutting blade unit 18 may be received in the slot 220.Similarly, the magnitude of the width is greater than the outer diameter74 of the stem 60 of the cutting blade unit 20 such that the stem 46 ofthe cutting blade unit 20 may be received in the slot 220.

As shown in FIG. 2, the retaining door 182 also has a slot 222 definedin the other arm 186. The arm 186 of the retaining door 182 has anopening 240 that is defined in the outer surface 216 of the arm 186. Theopening 240 extends from the side 226 of the door 182 toward the middleof the arm 186. An inner wall 242 extends inwardly from the opening 240through the arm 186 to define the slot 222 in the retaining door 182.

The inner wall 242 of the arm 184 includes a concave surface 244 that isdefined by a radius 246 such that the slot 222 has a curved end. Asshown in FIG. 2, the radius 246 has an origin 248 that is positioned inthe middle of the slot 222. When the door 182 is in the open position,the origins 236, 248 define an axis 250 that extends parallel to theaxis 150 extending through the slots 104, 106 of the shell 80. When theretaining door 182 is in the closed position shown in FIG. 3, the origin248 is located on the axis 150. In that way, the slot 222 is alignedwith the slot 106 of the shell 80 when the retaining door 182 is in theclosed position.

In the illustrative embodiment, the magnitude of the radius 246 of thearm 186 is equal to the magnitude of the radius 146 of the side plate90, and the slot 222 has a width that is approximately equal to thewidth 144 of the slot 106. As such, the width of the slot 222 is greaterthan the outer diameter 78 of the stem 62 of the cutting blade unit 20such that the stem 62 of the cutting blade unit 20 may be received inthe slot 222.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the retaining door 182 includes a pluralityof openings 260 that extend through the arms 184, 186 and the connectingwall 188. The openings 260 include a plurality of oblong openings 262that extend between the outer surfaces 212, 216 and the internalsurfaces 214, 218 of the arms 184, 186. Each of the oblong openings 260defines an arc 264 and is sized to permit the passage of fluid.

The container 14 of the system 10 also includes a locking mechanism 270operable to secure the retaining door 182 in the closed position. Asshown in FIG. 2, the locking mechanism 270 includes a tab 272 extendingoutwardly from the external surface 94 of the side plate 80, and agroove 274 defined in the inner surface 214 of the arm 184. When theretaining door 182 is moved from the open position to the closedposition, the tab 272 is advanced into the groove 274 via a snappingmovement and is retained therein. To open the retaining door 182, a usermay apply force to the arm 184 to remove the tab 272 from the groove274. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the lockingmechanism may include any combination of latches, retainers, keys, andso forth. It should also be appreciated that the tab may extend from theside plate 90.

In use, any of the cutting tools 12 may be positioned in the container14 for cleaning or storage. For example, a user may move the retainingdoor 182 into the open position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and advance thecutting blade unit 18 into the chamber 82 through the access opening 84.As the cutting blade unit 18 is advanced into the chamber 82, the stem46 of the unit 18 is received in the slot 104 defined in the shell 80.The user may then close the retaining door 182 by pivoting the door 182about the axis 210. As the door 182 closes, the stem 46 of the unit 18is advanced into slot 220 of arm 184 of the retaining door 182, and theconnecting wall 188 of the door 182 is positioned over the accessopening 84 of the shell 80. As described above, the door 182 may besecured in the closed position by advancing the tab 272 of the lockingmechanism 270 into the groove 274.

As shown in FIG. 3, the stem 46 of the cutting blade unit 18 ispositioned in an enclosure 280 defined by the slot 104 of the shell 80and the slot 220 of the retaining door 182. The inner walls 110, 230that define the slots 104, 220 engage the cylindrical outer surface 56of the stem 46 to locate and position the cutting blades 48 of the unit18 within the chamber 82. As shown in FIG. 4, the cutting blades 48 ofthe unit 18 are located within the chamber 82 such that the blades 48are spaced from the openings 162 defined in the shell 80. With thecutting blade unit 18 secured in the container 14, the container 14 maybe placed in a dishwashing machine such that the cutting blade unit 18may be cleaned after use. Additionally, the container 14 with thecutting blade unit 18 may be placed into a cabinet or drawer for storagebetween uses.

As described above, the container 14 may also be used with the othercutting blade unit 20. To do so, the cutting blade unit 20 may beadvanced into the chamber 82 through the access opening 84 when theretaining door 182 is open. As the cutting blade unit 20 is advancedinto the chamber 82, the stem 60 of the unit 20 is received in the slot104 defined in the shell 80 and the stem 62 is received in the slot 106.The user may then close the retaining door 182. As the door 182 closes,the stem 60 of the unit 18 is advanced into the slot 220 of arm 184 ofthe retaining door 182, and the stem 62 of the unit 20 is advanced intothe slot 222 of the arm 186. When the connecting wall 188 of the door182 is positioned over the access opening 84 of the shell 80, the door182 is in the closed position and the tab 272 of the locking mechanism270 is positioned in the groove 274.

The stem 60 of the cutting blade unit 20 is positioned in the enclosure280, and the stem 62 of the unit 20 is positioned in an enclosure 282defined by the slots 106, 222. The inner walls 110, 230 that define theslots 104, 220 engage the cylindrical outer surface 72 of the stem 60and the inner walls 132, 230 that define the slots 106, 222 engage thecylindrical body 76 to locate and position the cutting blades 64 of theunit 20 within the chamber 82. As shown in FIG. 5, the cutting blades 64of the unit 20 are located within the chamber 82 such that the blades 64are spaced from the openings 162 defined in the shell 80. With thecutting blade unit 20 secured in the container 14, the container 14 maybe placed in a dishwashing machine such that the cutting blade unit 20may be cleaned after use. Additionally, the container 14 with thecutting blade unit 20 may be placed into a cabinet or drawer for storagebetween uses.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the container 14 of the system 10 is shown withan adjustment device 290 configured to engage the adjustable slicingassembly 16 to position the slicing assembly 16 in the chamber 82 andposition the cutting blade 38 relative to the rotating disk 22 toprovide maximum clearance therebetween. In the illustrative embodiment,the adjustment device 290 includes a pair of collars 292, 294 configuredto engage the side plates 88, 90, respectively, of the shell 80. Thecollar 292 includes a body 296 having a cylindrical outer surface 298and a cylindrical passageway 300 defined therein. A channel 302 isdefined in the outer surface 298 of the collar 292, and the channel 302is sized to receive the inner wall 110 defining the slot 104 of theshell 80.

The collar 294 of the adjustment device 290 includes a body 304 having acylindrical passageway 308 defined therein. The body 304 includes acylindrical outer surface 306, and a channel 310 is defined in the outersurface 306 of the collar 294. The channel 310 is sized to receive theinner wall 132 defining the slot 106 of the shell 80.

As described above, the adjustment device 290 engages the rotating disk22 and the blade assembly 24 of the adjustable slicing assembly 16 toposition the slicing assembly 16 in the chamber 82. To do so, the collar292 of the adjustment device 290 is positioned over a lower end 312 ofthe central hub 26 of the rotating disk 22, and the other collar 294 ispositioned over the tip 314 of the stem 32 of the blade assembly 24, asshown in FIG. 7. The adjustable slicing assembly 16 may be advancedthrough the access opening 84 into the chamber 82. As the assembly 16enters the chamber 82, the collars 292, 294 may be advanced into theslots 104, 106 of the shell 80.

To align the channel 302 of the collar 292 with the slot 104, the usermay move the collar 292 along the central hub 26 to engage a lowersurface 316 of the collar 292 with the mounting arm 36 of the bladeassembly 24. Similarly, the collar 294 may be moved along the stem 32 ofthe blade assembly 24 to engage an upper surface 318 of the collar 294with the upper end 320 of the central hub 26 and align the channel 310with the slot 106. After the collars 292, 294 are aligned with the slots104, 106, respectively, the collars 292, 294 may be advanced into theslots 104, 106 such that the inner walls 110, 132 are received in thechannels 302, 310.

As shown in FIG. 7, the engagement between the collar 292 and themounting arm 36 and the engagement between the collar 294 and thecentral hub 26 adjusts the gap 42 defined between the cutting edge 40 ofthe blade assembly 24 and the planar body 28 of the rotating disk 22. Inthe illustrative embodiment, the gap 42 is adjusted to a maximumthickness, thereby providing the greatest amount of clearance betweenthe cutting edge 40 and the planar body 28 when the adjustable slicingassembly 16 is positioned in the container 14. After the slicingassembly 16 is positioned in the chamber 82, the retaining door 182 maybe closed as described above to secure the slicing assembly 16 in thecontainer 14. With the slicing assembly 16 secured in the container 14,the container 14 may be placed in a dishwashing machine such that theslicing assembly 16 may be cleaned after use. Additionally, thecontainer 14 with the slicing assembly 16 may be placed into a cabinetor drawer for storage between uses.

It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the adjustment device290 may take other forms. For example, the adjustment device mightinclude only a single collar. In other embodiments, the adjustmentdevice may include a number of wedges, ramps, projections, or otherstructures that are integrated into the shell and engage the slicingassembly to position the cutting blade relative to the rotating disk.

Referring now to FIG. 8, another embodiment of a tool container(hereinafter container 414) is shown. The container 414 includes a shell416 that defines a chamber 418 sized to receive one of the cutting tools12. The shell 416 has a base 420 and a top 422 that are configured to becoupled together via a locking mechanism 424.

The base 420 of the shell 416 has a hub 426, a body 428 extendingradially outward from the hub 426, and a rim 430 that extends verticallyfrom the outer perimeter of the body 428. The hub 426 has a cylindricalslot 432 defined therein that is sized to receive, for example, the stem62 of the cutting blade unit 20. A plurality of alignment tabs 434extend upwardly from the hub 426. The tabs 434 are configured to engage,for example, the stem 60 of the cutting blade unit 20 to locate andposition the cutting blade unit 20 within the chamber 418.

The body 428 of the base 420 has a plurality of openings 436 definedtherein. Each opening 436 extends radially outward from the hub 426 tothe rim 430. The openings 436 are sized to permit the passage of fluidinto the chamber 418 of the shell 416. In the illustrative embodiment,each opening 436 has a trapezoidal shape. In other embodiments, theopenings 436 may be circular, triangular, or other geometric shape. Itshould be appreciated that in other embodiments the openings 436 mayvary in size. The rim 430, like the body 428, has a plurality ofopenings 438 defined therein that are sized to permit the passage offluid into the chamber 418 of the shell 416.

The top 422 of the shell 416 has a hub 440, a body 442 extendingradially outward from the hub 440, and a rim 444 that extends verticallyfrom the outer perimeter of the body 442. The hub 440 has a cylindricalslot 446 defined therein that is sized to separately receive, forexample, the stem 46 of the cutting blade unit 18 and the stem 60 of thecutting blade unit 20. As shown in FIG. 8, the body 442 of the top 422has a plurality of openings 448 defined therein. Each opening 448extends radially outward from the hub 440 to the rim 444. The openings448 are sized to permit the passage of fluid into the chamber 418 of theshell 416. In the illustrative embodiment, each opening 448 has atrapezoidal shape. In other embodiments, the openings 448 may becircular, triangular, or other geometric shape. It should be appreciatedthat in other embodiments the openings 448 may vary in size.

As described above, the container 414 includes a locking mechanism 424configured to secure the base 420 to the top 422. As shown in FIGS. 8and 9, the locking mechanism 424 includes a flange 450 that extendsdownwardly from the rim 444. The flange 450 has a tab 452 extendinginwardly from an inner surface 454 thereof. The tab 452 is configured tobe received in a groove 456 defined in an outer surface 458 of the rim430 of the base 420, thereby securing the base 420 to the top 422.

In other embodiments, the base 420 may include a tab that is received ina groove. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the lockingmechanism may include any combination of latches, retainers, keys, andso forth necessary to secure the base 420 to the top 422. In still otherembodiments, the top of the shell may be formed from two parts that arehinged to the base of the shell.

There are a plurality of advantages of the present disclosure arisingfrom the various features of the method, apparatus, and system describedherein. It will be noted that alternative embodiments of the method,apparatus, and system of the present disclosure may not include all ofthe features described yet still benefit from at least some of theadvantages of such features. Those of ordinary skill in the art mayreadily devise their own implementations of the method, apparatus, andsystem that incorporate one or more of the features of the presentinvention and fall within the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A container to hold a cutting tool comprising: abase and a top that form a chamber configured to receive a cutting tool,the base and the top having a coupled position wherein the base iscoupled to the top and an uncoupled position wherein the base is notcoupled to the top; the base comprising upwardly extending tabsconfigured to engage with the cutting tool to position the cutting toolwithin the chamber; and both the base and the top comprising a pluralityof openings sized to permit passage of fluid into the chamber.
 2. Thecontainer of claim 1, the base further comprising a hub, a bodyextending radially outward from the hub, and a rim extending verticallyfrom an outer perimeter of the body; wherein, the upwardly extendingtabs extend upwardly from the hub.
 3. The container of claim 2, the hubof the base including a slot defined therein.
 4. The container of claim2, wherein, the plurality of openings of the base are defined in thebody of the base and each opening of the plurality of openings extendsradially outward from the hub toward the rim of the base.
 5. Thecontainer of claim 4, the rim of the base further including a pluralityof openings also configured to permit the passage of fluid into thechamber.
 6. The container of claim 1, the top further comprising acylindrical slot.
 7. The container of claim 6, the top furthercomprising a hub with the cylindrical slot defined therein, a bodyextending radially outward from the hub, and a rim extending verticallyfrom an outer perimeter of the body.
 8. The container of claim 7,wherein, the plurality of openings are defined in the body of the top,and each opening of the plurality of openings extend outward from thehub toward the rim.
 9. The container of claim 1, either the top or thebase includes a tab and the other of the top or the base that does notinclude the tab includes a groove; wherein, in the coupled position, thegroove receives the tab to secure the base to the top.
 10. The containerof claim 9, the base further comprising a hub with a cylindrical slotdefined therein, a body extending radially outward from the hub, and arim extending vertically from an outer perimeter of the body, the rimhaving an outer surface with the groove defined therein; and the topfurther comprising a hub with the cylindrical slot defined therein, abody extending radially outward from the hub, a rim extending verticallyfrom an outer perimeter of the body, and a flange extending downwardlyfrom the rim, the tab inwardly extending from the flange; wherein, theupwardly extending tabs extend upwardly from the hub of the base.
 11. Acontainer for holding a cutting tool of a food processing device, thecontainer comprising: a shell defining a chamber sized to receive one ofat least a first cutting tool and a second cutting tool, the shellcomprising: a first outer surface, a second outer surface positionedopposite the first outer surface, and a side wall extending between thefirst outer surface and the second outer surface, wherein the shell has(i) a first slot defined in the first outer surface, the first slotreceiving a stem of the first cutting tool when the first cutting toolis positioned in the chamber, (ii) a second slot defined in the secondouter surface that is aligned with the first slot, the second slotreceiving a stem of the second cutting tool when the second cutting toolis positioned in the chamber, and (iii) a plurality of openings definedin the first outer surface, each opening being arrangedcircumferentially around the first slot and being sized to permit fluidto pass into the chamber; and wherein the shell includes a first pieceincluding the first slot, and a second piece removably coupled to thefirst piece, the second piece including the second slot.
 12. A cuttingtool system for a food processing device comprising: a cutting toolcontainer comprising a base and a top defining a chamber; the top havinga hub with a cylindrical slot defined therein, a body extending radiallyoutward from the hub, and a rim extending vertically from an outerperimeter of the body of the top; the base having a hub, a bodyextending radially outward from the hub, a rim extending vertically froman outer perimeter of the body of the base, and a plurality of alignmenttabs extending upwardly from the hub; a cutting blade unit disposed inthe chamber of the cutting tool container, the cutting blade unitincluding: a stem disposed within the cylindrical slot of the hub of thetop of the cutting tool container and engaged with the plurality ofalignment tabs of the base to position the cutting blade unit within thechamber; and at least one cutting blade extending outwardly from thestem; and both the body of the top and the body of the base furtherincluding a plurality of openings defined therein configured to permitpassage of fluid into the chamber.
 13. The cutting tool system of claim12, the hub of the base of the cutting tool container further includinga cylindrical slot defined therein; and the cutting blade unit furtherincluding a second stem secured to the stem, and the second stem isdisposed within the cylindrical slot of the hub of the base.
 14. Thecutting tool system of claim 13, the stem and the second stem of thecutting blade unit each having an outer diameter, and the outer diameterof the second stem is less than the outer diameter of the stem.
 15. Thecutting tool system of claim 12, each opening of the plurality ofopenings of the top extend radially outward from the hub of the toptoward the rim of the top; and each opening of the plurality of openingsof the base extend radially outward from the hub of the base toward therim of the base.
 16. The cutting tool system of claim 12, the rim of thebase having a plurality of openings defined therein that are configuredto permit the passage of fluid into the chamber of the cutting toolcontainer.
 17. The cutting tool system of claim 12, the cutting toolcontainer having a locked state, and in the locked state the base andthe top are releasably coupled to each other; the base further includinga groove defined in an outer surface of the rim of the base; the topfurther including a flange extending downwardly from the rim, the flangeincluding a tab extending inwardly from the flange; and wherein, thegroove of the base receives the tab of the top to releasably couple thetop and the base.
 18. The cutting tool system of claim 17, the cuttingtool container further having an unlocked state, wherein the top and thebase are not coupled together, and the tab of the top is not disposedwithin the groove of the base.
 19. The cutting tool system of claim 12,wherein, the top of the cutting tool container is formed of more thanone part, each of which are hinged to the base.
 20. The cutting toolsystem of claim 12, the hub of the top of the cutting tool containerextends upward from the body of the top.